P3 Kill A Watt Electricity Load Meter and Monitor

Pros: Great design and accurate information. Very sturdy design and large LCD. Simple enough that it's literally plug-and-monitor, however complex enough to tell you exactly what you want to know.

Cons: As everyone has said already, this model uses two plugs in a standard outlet. As I own a UPS, this does not bother me since I plug everything directly into the UPS and the UPS into the Kill-A-Watt; this may affect the decision of others though.

Other Thoughts: This device is nearly impossible to read under a desk where light doesn't shine directly. Using a flashlight pointed directly at it helps. Didn't take off an additional egg for this, because a back-lit LED would cause the meter to report slightly inaccurate information.

Pros: Simple device, does what it does well

Cons: Failed after about a month

Other Thoughts: Failed past 30 day newegg return policy. Had to RMA through P3 International and they were extremely quick to respond and process RMA. Great company and device!

Pros: Reads out current, voltage, power, power factor, frequency, and power consumption information with good accuracy and precision. Simple design makes it easy to stick in between any 120V AC device and measure its power consumption. LCD is clear and easy to read, but is not backlit, so it can be difficult to read under a desk or table.

Cons: Doesn't measure high-power things. I plugged in a microwave and it read like 1700 Watts and started beeping, so I pulled the plug. The Kill-A-Watt was fine, and I do like the audible alarm that beeps if you exceed the rated power consumption.

It's also a bit bulky and can block the second outlet in a standard two-outlet receptacle.

Other Thoughts: I used this to measure my i7 / dual 5870 / triple 1080p monitor setup, pulls around 650W all together under full load. I have a 650W PSU in the machine, so that seems about right.

Pros: Solid construction
Seems to be accurate
Easy to use, plug and play
Monitors in real time

Cons: No real time estimate of energy costs

Other Thoughts: I purchased this with the thought in mind that I could plug it in for a few minutes and have it calculate for me the cost per month/day/year and so on. I was mistaken, but it would be nice to have this calculated for you. I guess for the price that I paid for it, $21.99 on sale, I shouldn't complain. But still this is the only thing that kept me from giving it 5 eggs.

Pros: One of the best tools for monitoring energy use keeps getting less expensive.

Cons: Paid twice as much for it 5 years ago.

Other Thoughts: I purchased the P3 several years ago to see just how much power my system was using so that I could get a handle on where to make improvements. It has been a valuable tool at confirming being able to cut energy use by more than half without sacrificing performance.

You don't know how much power you are wasting - until you know how much you are actually using.

The savings go beyond just the system however, as it has also allowed us to reduce cooling costs during the warmer months as well.

Pros: Shows A/C current levels if you are looking for problems. Shows wattage levels if you want to know how much a device is using. Reading are live and instant.

Cons: Plug is tight and a little bulky....you may want to get one of those wally-world three pack of 6-in extension cords to go with this for 3 bucks. No egg deduction for personal preference.

Other Thoughts: When we first got it, it was a novelty item. We tested everything, coffee pot, desktop computers, laptops, tv. The surprises came with the Christmas lights. Using the "watt" setting, you see how much draw the attached device has. It really helps you appreciate upgrading your lamps and other devices to newer, more efficient products.

Pros: Good unit... Worked fine..

Cons: None

Pros: I've had this monitoring my computer system's draw for 6 months now. Helps me dial in the most efficient overclocks.

Cons: Wish the display was easier to read in poor light. Have to use a little flashlight each time I want to read it from under my desk, and still it's hard to read unless pointing the flashlight directly perpendicular.

Pros: First one had a defective screen, as if something was pressing on the lcd. I asked newegg if I could take it apart to fix, they said yes. Turns out the screen was actually damaged. So they sent an RMA, received the new one quickly and I've been happy ever since!

Cons: bad first one, still worked, but had that finger on LCD look in the corner. Second one has a "tight" hold on plugs, not an issue if you put a short liberator and strip on it.

Other Thoughts: wish I bought the power strip!

Pros: This is a great little gadget. Very easy to use and gives you all the info you need except what your Electric company charges you per Kw.

Cons: None